Local News

Itasca State Park offers closer look at Minnesota's native orchids

KAXE

Published June 15, 2023 at 9:56 PM CDT

Two pink lady-slipper orchids, with bright pink slippers — Two pink lady-slipper orchids are seen at the Warren Nelson Memorial Bog within the Sax-Zim Bog southeast of Hibbing.

The nature program is among a plethora of June activities available for visitors to the state park featuring the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

PARK RAPIDS — Learn about Minnesota’s native orchid species, including where to find them and why they grow here, during a program at Itasca State Park.

David Remucal, curator of endangered plants with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, will lead the discussion set for 2-3 p.m. Friday, June 16, at the Forest Inn.

Orchids grow all over the state, including its well-known representative, the show pink lady-slipper. The fascinating biology of the plant and the environment in which they can be found will be covered, and attendees will take a short hike to see orchids that will likely be blooming.

The “Science in Nature” program is coordinated by the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station and Itasca State Park.

Tons of activities are planned for the rest of the month at Itasca, including:

Family Fishing Fun: 9:30-11 a.m. Fridays, June 16, 23 and 30.
Circle Time Under the Pines — D is for Dad’s Day, Preschool Program: 11-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17.
The Common Loon, Evening Talk: 7-7:30 p.m. Satruday, June 17.
Jr. Naturalist: Charming Crawlies – Bugs at Itasca: 2-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 20.
Take Me Fishing Tuesday: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 20.
Tree ID Walk: 1:30-2 p.m. Thursday, June 22.
Archery in the Park: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 22 and June 29.
Science in Nature Series: Ticks and Mosquitoes of Minnesota — Don’t Let Them Bug You: 1-2 p.m. Friday, June 23. Guest is Jordan Mandli, vectorborne disease expert with the Minnesota Department of Health.
Yoga in the Park: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, June 24.
Jr. Naturalist: Geocaching: 2-2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24.
Crepuscular Activity Walk: 7-7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24.
Itasca’s Evening Under the Pines: Park Rapids Area Community Band Concert: 7-8 p.m. Sunday, June 25.
Jr. Naturalist: Whimsical White-Tailed Deer: 2-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 27.
Itasca’s Butterflies, Walk: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 28.
Jr. Naturalist: Senses in the Wild: 2-2:30 p.m. Friday June 30.

Visit dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/events.html and select "Itasca State Park" for more detailed information on these events.